Influence Mechanisms of Museums’ Technological Embodiment and Tourist Satisfaction

Prior research has underscored the growing significance of new technologies in shaping tourists’ experiences; however, numerous areas remain unexplored. This research led to some exciting new findings for critical investigations into how the role of technology in the museum visitor experience can trigger intricate psychological processes, influence behavior, evoke memories. This study formulates an integrated model to examine the psychological processes of tourists influenced by smart technology and the mechanisms governing their responses. Employing a quantitative approach, we conducted an empirical survey of 506 visitors to China’s leading smart tourism destination, the China Grand Canal Museum. The structural and measurement models were tested in a two-step examination using SmartPLS. The findings revealed three factors, namely, immersive experience, presence, and engagement, which positively influence user satisfaction with smart technology during museum visits. Our research contributes to the literature on museums and smart tourism by introducing and empirically validating an integrated model. This comprehensive investigation offers a multifaceted perspective, shedding light on how the confluence of immersive experiences, presence, and engagement shapes an elevated and enriched perception of museum experience and tourist satisfaction within the context of the contemporary technological landscape. This study additionally serves as a roadmap for museums searching for to include innovation, appeal to new audiences, and thrive withinside the evolving cultural landscape.